Suffixes change the word's grammatical function from "summary" of English Vocabulary Elements by Keith Denning,Brett Kessler,William R. Leben,William Ronald Leben
Suffixes play a crucial role in changing the function of a word within a sentence. By adding a suffix to a base word, we can alter its grammatical function, turning a noun into a verb, an adjective into an adverb, and so on. This transformation is a powerful tool in English vocabulary, allowing for greater flexibility and precision in communication. For example, consider the base word "soft." By adding the suffix "-en," we can create the verb "soften," which indicates the action of making something soft. In this case, the suffix "-en" changes the adjective "soft" into a verb, demonstrating how suffixes can modify the grammatical function of a word. Similarly, the suffix "-ly" is commonly used to turn adjectives into adverbs. For instance, the adjective "quick" becomes the adverb "quickly" when we add this suffix. This transformation is essential for providing additional information about how an action is performed, showcasing the impact of suffixes on the grammatical function of words. Moreover, suffixes can also convert nouns into adjectives, such as turning "nation" into "national" by adding the suffix "-al." This change allows for the description of characteristics or qualities related to the original noun, illustrating the versatility of suffixes in altering the function of words in a sentence.- Suffixes serve as linguistic tools that modify the grammatical function of base words, enabling a diverse range of expressions and nuances in English vocabulary. By understanding how suffixes can transform words within a sentence, we can enhance our communication skills and convey meaning with greater precision and clarity.
